Many popular music videos and tracks on YouTube and YouTube Music became unavailable on Saturday, prompting a notification that read:
“Video unavailable: This video contains content from SESAC. It is not available in your country.”
This was not the expected experience for fans trying to stream hits like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” or songs from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Britney Spears, Green Day, Kanye West, and Burna Boy.
This situation raises two important questions: What is SESAC, and when will the music return?
SESAC, which stands for the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, has been operating since 1930. According to its website, the organization currently licenses the public performance rights for over 1.5 million songs on behalf of more than 15,000 affiliated songwriters, composers, and music publishers. Though smaller than its counterparts like BMI and ASCAP, SESAC represents many high-profile artists. In 2017, it was acquired by private equity firm Blackstone.
Determining when the SESAC music restriction on YouTube and YouTube Music will be lifted, or identifying which specific tracks have been blocked, is more complex. SESAC provides a searchable database of its music catalog, but not all songs listed there are currently inaccessible. There is even a comprehensive 44,267-page PDF available on SESAC’s website. However, the extent of the restrictions varies; for instance, while Kanye West’s “Power” is blocked, its music video version remains accessible.
SESAC has not issued a public statement regarding the matter, but YouTube did respond to an inquiry from The Verge. Spokesperson Mariana de Felice stated:
“We have held good faith negotiations with SESAC to renew our existing deal. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach an equitable agreement before its expiration. We take copyright very seriously and as a result, content represented by SESAC is no longer available on YouTube in the US. We are in active conversations with SESAC and are hoping to reach a new deal as soon as possible.”